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A cancer diagnosis is so difficult on so many levels. When we heard the words ‘feline cancer’ as we stood at the vet office with Yoda, we felt powerless, confused, and stunned. It made taking in information difficult, as a sense of overwhelm washed over us. 

Yoda has now completed his treatment for Feline Injection Site Sarcoma Cancer (FISS), which you can read more about on our dedicated blog post. But we felt we’d like to continue our work in supporting owners facing a cat cancer diagnosis, by providing the kind of information we wish we had known before standing in that office.

Things like what are the common symptoms and how is cancer diagnosed in cats? What’s the latest feline cancer research and can cats survive cancer?

So in this post, we’ll be aiming to help you prepare for any future diagnosis, or cope with a current one. We are here to ease your stress and help you understand feline cancer in more depth, so you can feel prepared and in control. 

Quick facts:

• Each year around 6 million new cancer diagnoses are made in cats.
• Lymphoma, Mammary Cancer, Skin Cancer & Fibrosarcoma are the most common cancers in cats. 
• Treatment usually involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
• Some research suggests herbal medicine could be helped to improve wellbeing, slow cancer growth and even induce remission in rodents. 
• At the moment, the survival rate for cancer in cats is under 50%.
• Much of the prevention research around cancer is similar to human cancer prevention advice. 

Let’s start at the very beginning. 

What Is Feline Cancer

Cancer is the name given to an abnormal growth of cells. They grow uncontrollably, without receiving the instructions to do so. As they grow, these cells can mutate and change, resulting in negative effects to surrounding organs and tissues.

This is why we sometimes associate cancer with lumps or tumors, but this isn’t always the case. 

Is Cat Cancer Common?

​​There are around 32 million cats in the United States, and each year around 6 million new cancer diagnoses are made in cats. So cat cancer is fairly common and seems to be rising. 

However, it’s hard to judge this as many factors come into play. For example, more owners are recognizing cancer symptoms and diagnosis has improved too. 

Similar to humans, many veterinarians believe that cancer rates could also be rising because our pets now live much longer — well into their teens. As they are often so well cared for!

What Kinds of Cat Cancer Are There?

• Lymphoma – Is a cancer of the white blood cells and the lymphoid tissue (like the lymph nodes for example.) The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) was one of the leading causes of lymphoma in cats, until the development of a recent vaccine. 

• Mammary Cancer – Also known as breast cancer, these tumors tend to develop in older cats. It is rare for male cats to be affected by this kind of cancer, and much more common in females. 

• Skin Cancer – These tumors can appear as light or unpigmented skin and are usually a result of excess sun exposure (similar to humans.) These are often sighted around the nose, eyelids, and ears — the hairless areas. 
• Fibrosarcoma – A tumor that develops from fibrous connective tissue. Some cats, like Yoda, can develop this at a prior vaccination or other injection sites. This cancer is aggressive, though the cat will usually show no pain around the tumor. 

How Is Cancer Diagnosed in Cats?

If your cat suspects cancer could be causing your kitty’s new mass, discomfort, or other symptoms, they will begin a series of steps towards diagnosis. This can include:

• X-rays – Or other minor scans like ultrasound examination
• Biopsy – Surgical removal of a small piece of affected tissue for analysis
• Fine needle aspirate – This is what Yoda had, a small needle inserted into the mass to remove a few cells for further examination 
• Needle biopsy – Here a larger needle is inserted into a lump to remove a very small ‘core’ of tissue
• Blood samples – To detect any adverse effects of cancer or the presence of any other possible causes
• CAT, CT, or MRI scans – These larger scale scans are less common, but thankfully becoming more widely available for pets, and help to assess tumor spread or the presence of brain tumors

If your cat has a tumor present, your vet will look to see if it has spread to other parts of the body. If it has not spread, then it’s usually called a ‘benign’ tumor.

A cancer diagnosis is used when the tumor has spread — referred to as a ‘malignant tumor.

Because of their more aggressive and invasive nature, malignant tumors are generally more serious than benign tumors. 

Here’s our guide on how to cope after your cat is diagnosed with cancer.

What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Cats?

By nature, many cats will hide their issues and discomforts, which can make spotting any symptoms tricky.

So one of the best ways to stay on top of any early signs of illness or cancer is to attend your regular veterinarian checkups and increase the frequency of these as your cat ages. & perform gentle examinations at home once a month. 

Be sure to keep a note of any behavior changes regularly too!

Here are some common early signs that should warrant a visit to your vet, if you notice them in your kitty:

• New, enlarged, or changing masses or bumps
• Sores or cuts that don’t heal 
• Abrupt or chronic weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in appetite
• A persistent cough or excess sneezing
• Lameness or stiffness, or difficulty moving
• An unpleasant odor from the mouth
• Difficulty breathing, eating, or swallowing
• Difficulty using their litter tray, constipation, diarrhea 
• Bleeding or discharge from any area, especially the mouth
• Lethargy and excessive tiredness
• Excessively timid, or hiding more than usual 
• Nosebleeds 
• Seizures

What Causes Cancer in Cats? And Can You Prevent Feline Cancer?

When receiving your kitty’s diagnosis, you might be hit with a wave of guilt. But understand that cancer is similar in cats as it is with humans — it’s often a random concoction of genetics, timing, and environment that can spark a sudden growth. 

If you are reading this post, know that you are already a wonderful owner, and your cat is lucky to have you by their side. This is something I had to overcome to help Yoda and be there for him in the way that he needed me to be. 

While there is no way to guarantee your pet will never get cancer, the latest cat cancer research has provided the following suggestions as to how to lower that risk.

Environment 

Interestingly, some of the risk factors for cancer in cats are very similar to those in humans. Research shows that exposure to tobacco smoke, asbestos, prolonged sunlight, and lack of exercise has been linked to increased risks of cancer development in both cats and humans. 

Chemicals 

It’s also been suggested that keeping your cat away from lawn chemicals, paints and solvents is wise. So if you’re having a garden or decoration overhaul, consider keeping your cat somewhere safe during this time!

Indoors 

Keeping cats indoors has been shown to prolong their life, with indoor cats having an average lifespan that’s almost three times that of outdoor cats. This also reduces their chances of catching the Feline Leukemia Virus. 

Purebreds 

Some breeds are also prone to different types of cancers and are simply genetically much more likely to develop those diseases. So reading up on your breed can give you an idea of what to look out for. 

Vaccination 

As we found with Yoda, vaccination and injections have been linked to developing Injection Site Sarcoma. You can read more about the possibilities for preventing sarcoma in our dedicated blog post. 

Diet 

Diet is of course a hot topic when it comes to our kitties’ health. 

One study suggested that adding vegetables to your cat’s diet could reduce their risk of cancer, but this relied heavily on owner recalls. And it can be hard to remember what we had for breakfast let alone how many vegetables our cats had! 

To date, there aren’t any large-scale and robust studies linking cancer to diet. 

Carbohydrates

You might have read that carbohydrates can ‘feed’ cancer. 

According to the Animal Cancer Foundation: ‘At this time there is no evidence that a diet with a low, moderate, or high carbohydrate content has any bearing on cancer development in dogs and cats.’

Weight 

Even though no studies have been able to effectively prove a clear link between obesity and cancer in cats, excess weight is a proven risk factor for other problems — joint disease, diabetes, skin disease & breathing difficulties. 

So maintaining a healthy weight in your kitty is important. 

Neutering 

There’s a heap of research around neutering and cancer, which can be all pretty contradictory. 

A recent review suggested that ‘the advantages of neutering seem to outweigh the possible increase in the risk of developing cancer.’But it’s best to discuss your individual kitty’s needs with your vet, as spaying a female cat when she is young can greatly reduce the chances of breast cancer occurring. 

Treatment for Cat Cancer

There are many types of treatment options for your cat that apply to both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. 

Surgery 

For an isolated lump that has not spread, surgery may provide a quick cure, but it does depend on where the tumor is growing. Brain tumors, for example, are very difficult to remove in cats.  

Chemotherapy 

Luckily, veterinary chemotherapy usually has few side effects, or none at all, because the doses used are so much smaller than those used in humans.

Unfortunately, it does not usually cure cancer, instead, it is used to slow the cancer and relieve symptoms. Usually carried after surgery if it has not been possible to remove the entire tumor or those cancers that are not presenting with a tumor.  

Possible side effects from chemotherapy include a reduced appetite, vomiting or diarrhea & reduced immunity. So your kitty will need extra special care during this phase of treatment. 

Radiotherapy 

This treatment is only available at a few specialist centers, which might mean traveling long distances (which we found tough!) Again, it does not usually cure cancer, but can greatly reduce its aggression. Usually, your pet will need to be sedated for this. 

When choosing treatment options, your vet will take into account several factors — age, the chance of success, and the possible side effects. Ultimately, quality of life is hugely important, and if your kitty is in severe pain that is unlikely to improve, your vet is may encourage you to choose euthanasia. 

Of course, the choice is always yours in these situations, so take the time you need to make informed decisions about your cat’s diagnosis. 

Are There Natural Remedies for Feline Cancer?

Looking online you might come across anecdotes and stories of pets fighting cancer with natural remedies. And as long as the remedies don’t interfere with any of your vet’s treatment plans, it could be worth investigating these holistic approaches to cancer treatment. 

Although there’s no robust research in cats and dogs, there are some studies of herbal medicine’s effect on cancer with rats, mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs. 

Mainly, they show how herbs can be used to help manage the side effects of chemotherapy, improve overall wellbeing, and support areas that are affected by cancer.

For example:

• Ashwagandha – Growth of a specific type of cancer (carcinoma) was inhibited and survival increased in mice using Ashwagandha, especially when it was combined with radiation.
• Eleuthero – This herb was able to slow tumor growth and prolong survival time in mice. 
• Asian Ginseng – This herb has been shown to have many beneficial effects in the treatment of some cancers in humans.

Several other studies suggest similar effects from several herbs, mushrooms, and antioxidants. If you are interested in these, speak to a Veterinary Herbalist, or enquire with your vet for a referral to one. 

Feline Cancer Survival Rate

Can cats survive cancer? Yes, they can. While the odds aren’t necessarily in their favor, Yoda is proof that they can pull through — even if it means an ongoing strategy to keep cancer at bay.  

Dave Ruslander, a veterinary oncologist and past president of the Veterinary Cancer Society, says:

‘Survival rate for cats is probably less than 50%. But it all depends on the tumor type, when it is found, and how it is treated. Things are changing so fast, not just in terms of treatments but also clinical trials or novel treatments, that there may be treatments available that most veterinarians aren’t aware of. You may think there’s nothing that can be done, but things are changing all the time.’

The Wrap Up — Feline Cancer

We hope this article has given you the knowledge and insight to explore these options, and to find hope and steps ahead, even when the world seems dark after a diagnosis. 

Perhaps it’s helped you feel more prepared for if you ever find yourself standing in the vet’s office receiving this news. Or maybe it’s just helped you think more deeply about prevention, individual healthcare for kitties.

One thing we know is that even when the world seems dark and diagnosis looms, our cats are a special ray of light. 

Yoda has been a soldier and shown such strength through his treatment and subsequent amputation. It has made us appreciate him in a whole new light, and find such gratitude in the small joys he still finds in every day. 
If you want to share your cancer experience with us, please comment below or follow us on our Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We’ll keep you updated on Yoda’s progress and provide a space for comfort and conversation around feline cancer. You aren’t alone <3

The post Feline Cancer — Understanding Cat Cancer Symptoms, Research & Treatment appeared first on Fluffy Kitty.

In this article, we answer some of the commonly asked questions surrounding holistic vets, including how much holistic vets cost and how holistic vets treat cat cancer.

Have you ever wondered what a holistic veterinarian for cats actually is? Have you walked by a holistic clinic and been curious about the treatments and approaches they use? Then this article is for you! 

We all want the best for our fluffy kitties (including the hair-free varieties — we see you!) We make sure they have plenty of love and attention. We buy them toys and treats to enrich their lives. We also make sure we find a great veterinarian for routine care and emergencies.

So you might have wondered what role a holistic vet plays in cat care, and if they are the right choice for you and your fur-friend. 

In this article, we’ll be answering some of the commonly asked questions surrounding holistic vets. 

Holistic Vets for Cats Explained

• Holistic medicine is often seen as a ‘preventative’ approach to pet health, choosing to prefer alternative therapies first and using invasive treatments as a last resort.
• You can find holistic vets by searching AHVMA’s database.
• Holistic vet prices can vary but should be seen as an investment in the longevity of your pet’s health. 
• Holistic vets are often open to reduced vaccination protocols. 
• Holistic cancer treatments are offered by many practices and have had some success with smaller animals.

Let’s start with understanding more about what the term ‘holistic’ actually means. 

What’s the Difference Between Conventional and Holistic Vets?

As we all know, veterinarians are specially trained doctors who treat animals of all shapes and sizes.

All licensed veterinarians receive the same training over several years, using the most proven and science-backed research to understand animal anatomy, behavior, disease, and treatments. This is known as ‘conventional’ medicine. 

The vast majority of vet practices use these methods, and urgent medical attention nearly always involves these conventional practices to save a pet’s life. 

But after completing their training, some veterinarians decide to specialize or hone their treatments towards a certain area. One of these areas is fast becoming known as ‘holistic medicine.’

Holistic medicine is often seen as a ‘preventative’ and ‘natural’ approach to pet health. This means they often taake the approach of avoiding drugs, antibiotics, and surgeries where they can.

This is because they aim to treat the root cause of your pet’s issues, rather than simply treating symptoms. This often means choosing instead to focus on the use of less ‘conventional’ practices such as:

• Acupuncture
• Herbal remedies
• Aromatherapy
• Chiropractic practice
• Homeopathy
• Nutrition and lifestyle changes
• Supplements
• Massage
• Behavioral training and assistance 

Medications, vaccinations, surgery, and other conventional treatment options may well be essential in your cat’s life and unavoidable — such as vaccinations.

For this reason, lots of holistic veterinarians are ‘integrative’, meaning they blend conventional and less conventional practices. 

But some owners are now deciding to turn to holistic vets as their first choice for routine care. So what does that look like for kitty owners like us?

What Is a Holistic Veterinarian for Cats? 

A visit to the holistic vet is a lot like a visit to a ‘regular’ vet, so you can be sure that you won’t feel out of place or uncomfortable. One key benefit is that some holistic practices focus on a specific species, so your cat might not have to deal with any unruly dogs nearby. 

At most first appointments, a holistic vet will examine your kitty and discuss any issues you might be struggling with, or just assess your cat’s overall wellbeing. 

They may ask you to bring a stool or urine sample with you, as well as take blood from your cat to get an overall picture of their health. They will then perform the usual checkups — looking at your furball’s teeth, gums, ears, and eyes.

They might also have a feel of your kitty’s body to check for gastrointestinal issues, lumps, masses, or muscle issues. 

One thing that might feel different?

Many holistic vets have lost the stainless steel examination table that can be so stressful for many cats. Instead, they may have an exam room that’s more suited to keeping your cat calm and happy. With cozy beds and even some toys. 

Many owners also report that holistic vet appointments are much longer than traditional appointments, allowing them to fully understand your cat and their history with you. 

They may also offer recommendations you might not be used to, like adding herbs or supplements to your cat’s diet, changing their diet to a raw or grain-free one, or adding extra enrichment into your cat’s day. 

For example, a holistic vet might treat cat fleas by using natural remedies, management, and prevention techniques — rather than conventional medicines. 

Do Holistic Vets Offer Cat Vaccinations?

As pet parents, we’re used to the trips to the vet to keep those vaccinations up to date. It’s something we did routinely to allow Yoda to travel with us. But since our journey with Yoda’s cancer, Feline Injection Site Sarcoma (Fiss), we’ve learned more about vaccinations and what they can mean for our kitties’ health. 

Vaccinations are super important (and legally required!), but there’s been some discussion in the pet community about possible over-vaccination taking a toll on the health of our fur babies. 

This has led to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) revising its vaccination guidelines, to suggest that cats should be evaluated on an individual risk basis, rather than constantly revaccinating. This helps to address the balance between safety in the wide world and reducing the risks of vaccinations. 

Do holistic vets offer cat vaccinations? Yes — they do! As we said, some vaccinations are essential to keep your kitty healthy.  

But what you might find is that holistic vets are often interested in finding the least number of vaccinations needed to keep your cat safe — specific to their lifestyle and needs. It’s often a mutual discussion, and you can ask about their vaccination policy when looking at a clinic to determine if they might be right for you. 

Can You Treat Cat Cancer With a Holistic Vet?

Conventionally, cancer in cats is treated with a mix of surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy to attack the cancerous cells, and radiation to attack the tumor.

Holistic vets often choose to take a different approach to feline cancer. Instead of ‘attacking’ many switch the perspective, looking at cancer as something produced by the body, rather than a separate item. 

The aim is usually to use homeopathy, acupuncture, and nutrition to strengthen the body. To give it the strength and tools to fight the cancer itself, whilst also using the same methods to weaken the cancer. 

This approach aims to increase the quality of life for cats (sparing them from stressful medical procedures) and keep the cancer under control, rather than attacking it. 

Although there isn’t heaps of research on holistic treatments for cancer in cats, there is plenty of research on these kinds of treatments on rats, mice, hamsters, and guinea pigs! 

These studies have shown that herbs can manage the effects of chemotherapy, boost recovery rates after surgery or radiation treatment, and generally complement conventional cancer treatment really well. However, they also show that herbs are amazing at cancer prevention, and in supporting the areas that are affected by cancer. 

It’s important to listen to both conventional and holistic arguments for cancer treatment and decide what you feel most comfortable with. Both have important and meaningful arguments behind them, and it’s up to you which path you want to take with your kitty, should they face a diagnosis. 

If you want to read about our journey through Yoda’s Cancer, you can read his story here.

Are Holistic Vets More Expensive?

A frequent question we come across is just how much does a holistic vet cost? And are they more expensive than conventional clinics?

While some holistic clinics may charge more than conventional practices, there are many that charge less too. It will really depend on your area and the vet’s qualifications. 

Many choose to see holistic vet care as cheaper in the long term, as the preventative methods used could reduce the chances of your cat developing a chronic or life-threatening disease. 

While some more conventional drugs might be cheaper than, say, a round of acupuncture, the use of those drugs might also require more frequent checkups. So balancing all the information you have to hand is the best way to work out the true cost of your vet visits. 

How Do I Find a Holistic Vet?

To find a holistic vet, you could ask your local pet store or online natural cat care communities for recommendations. Word of mouth is usually a great way to find a vet that is well respected and liked in the cat community!

You can also start by searching the AHVMA’s database. You can filter by location, practice type, and even for specific treatments, they offer.  

Even when you find a holistic vet, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and keep looking until you find the perfect fit. Having the right vet is such an important part of our furballs’ life – so it’s worth the effort!

Holistic Veterinarians for Cats Explained —The Wrap-Up 

Since Yoda’s battle with FISS, we are interested in exploring the routes that holistic vets take towards cat health. 

While traditional treatments will always be essential at certain points in our cats’ lives, knowing that there are more options than ever out there allows us to try and find the best vet for our cat and their specific needs. 

Have you used a holistic vet? What was your experience? Let us know!

The post Holistic Veterinarians for Cats Explained appeared first on Fluffy Kitty.

We are always told how staying hydrated is important for our own health, but did you know that it’s also vital to your cat’s health? And do you know how to check if your cat is dehydrated? 

Current estimates predict that 1 in 3 cats (or more) will develop some form of kidney disease in their lifetime. This is why keeping on top of your cat’s hydration levels is super important. 

But how do you know if your cat is dehydrated? And what steps can we take to increase a cat’s water intake? This article is here to help, with a full introduction to cat dehydration signs, symptoms & treatment. As well as top ticks and tricks to stay on top of your cat’s hydration day to day.

Key Takeaways:

• Wild cats were used to conserving water, and getting much of their fluid intake from prey — which could contribute to domestic cats’ reluctance to drink from a bowl.  

• There aren’t a heap of studies on domestic cats and drinking water, but typical recommendations are that a cat requires about 50ml of water per kg of body weight daily.  
• Check your cat is dehydrated by pulling gently at their skin, if it snaps back they are hydrated, if not they could be suffering from dehydration. 
• Cats seem to like smaller bowls, in several locations around the house.  
• Transitioning to a wet or partly wet diet can help your cat get more hydration daily. 

How to Check if Your Cat Is Dehydrated

Why Do Cat’s Get Dehydrated?

Our domestic fur-friends’ ancestors were highly adaptable to drought conditions. Living in desert areas, they developed the ability to concentrate their urine and take reduced water intake in their stride. 

But it’s these skills that can affect our domestic kitty’s negatively, as they live both much longer and very different lives to their wild cousins. Many believe that these abilities have negative effects over long periods of time, as some domestic cats can now live to 20 years!

It’s also important to think about the natural food of cats – small prey such as rodents, mammals, and birds. This diet has been found to contain around 70% moisture, compared with a modern diet of dry kibble that often contains less than 10% moisture.

So we can see how our furballs often do not have a naturally strong urge to drink water like other pets might, even when their bodies need it. And modern-day diets may be reducing their moisture intake on top of that too. 

Dehydration is especially common when other existing factors are affecting your kitty too, such as:

• Especially hot or dry conditions
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Stressful events or excess anxiety 

How Much Water Does My Cat Need?

General guidelines for cats are that they should have around 50ml of water per kg of body weight per day. That’s around 150 to 200ml a day for an average-sized cat. 

How to Check if Your Cat Is Dehydrated

So how do you know your cat is dehydrated? What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration in cats? 

Knowing how to check if your kitty is dehydrated is super important for their long term wellbeing, so let’s look at some common cat dehydration symptoms:

• Loss of energy — Is your cat looking more lethargic than usual? Do they seem less playful or engaged recently?
• Lack of appetite —  Is your cat leaving leftovers or seeming uninterested in mealtimes?
• Constipation — Is your cat’s litterbox looking bare? Or are they producing hard-looking pellets?
• Panting — Do they seem overly hot and exhausted?
• Hiding or nervous behavior — Are they uncharacteristically quiet or frightened?

There are a few cat dehydration tests you can perform to confirm your suspicions that your cat is suffering from dehydration too:

• Examine the eyes — Dehydrated cats often have eyes that look sunken, dull, or lack their normal focus.
• Examine the gums — Tacky and dry gums are common signs of lack of moisture. 
• Examine the skin — Gently take a small portion of your cat’s skin and lift it up. When you let go, the skin will quickly snap back into place if your cat is well hydrated. If the skin falls back down slowly your cat could be dehydrated. 

If you are doing the skin test and you see that your cat’s skin remains up, in a tent-like position, and does not fall back down this is a sign of severe dehydration.

If this is the case, try and visit your veterinarian as soon as you can to get your cat some help. 

How to Hydrate a Dehydrated Cat

If you think your cat is dehydrated, it’s a good idea to book an appointment to discuss this with your veterinarian. Cat dehydration treatment at home is a great option to quickly help your cat, but a vet will be able to assess your cat’s hydration levels accurately and aid with ongoing or emergency treatment if needed. 

If the dehydration is serious, your veterinarian can perform a quick procedure that involves giving your kitty fluids under the skin.

In very severe cases, your kitty may need to be hospitalized so that they can be rehydrated via a drip and monitored. 

Your veterinarian may also want to evaluate your cat to see if they can diagnose any underlying health reasons for your cat’s dehydration, as well as offering strategies for upping their fluid intake.  

But before you can make it to the vet, let’s look at what to give a cat that is dehydrated and how much fluid to give a dehydrated cat:

• Add half a cup of water to their next meal, gradually increasing this to a full cup with every meal. 
• If they are a fussy eater, try adding a small amount of cat-friendly chicken broth or tuna water (unsalted) to their water.
• Offer several types of water bowls around the house and refresh the water a few times a day. 
• Place some ice cubes in their water bowl or on a towel for them to investigate (while supervised.)

It’s important to offer your cat water gradually if it is dehydrated.

If your kitty is dehydrated and then ingests a lot of water all at once it could make them feel even worse. They could even vomit, lose more fluid, and experience intestinal issues as a result.

So slow and steady is the best way to rehydrate your cat. 

Until you can see your vet, they may suggest purchasing some cat-friendly electrolytes to restore the balance in their body.

We often get asked — does cat milk hydrate a cat? If your cat is fussy with water, milk can often be a more appealing option. Opt for lactose-reduced cow’s milk, as this contains a good amount of water whilst having less of the tummy-upsetting effects of full-fat milk.

How to Increase Cat Water Intake

As with much of our furball’s wellbeing, prevention is the best cure! So let’s look at some ideas for how to increase cat water intake:

1. Choosing the Right Bowl

A study by Royal Canin found that small bowls (<15 cm in diameter) were preferred to larger bowls, and were more popular than fountains for the cats in the study.

However — each cat is an individual so test out different methods to see which encourages your cat to drink the most. 

Providing more than one watering point is also thought to help encourage cats to drink up, ensuring these are away from their litter tray and feeding area.

For some kitties, getting an automatic water fountain can really help cats drink more water as the flowing water entices them.

2. What Is the Best Water for Cats to Drink?

Some say cats prefer mineral water, others say rainwater, and some owners swear by mineral water.

No studies have found a conclusive answer to this, so experimentation is your friend!

Try putting out several bowls of different types of water and see which one your cat seems to gravitate to.

Whichever they like, be sure to change out the water frequently, as freshwater will always be more appealing to your kitty. 

3. Adding Moisture to Your Cat’s Food

Now that we know our cats need around 50ml of water per kg of body weight, you can work out how to help them achieve this through their food. 

Using the moisture content of their food, try adding additional water to help them hit 80 — 90% of their water target for the day through their meals. 

This may be harder to do with a predominantly dry food diet, so it may help to transition to either a partially wet or fully wet diet for your cat. 

Is wet food enough water for cats? Not always.

It’s still worth looking at the moisture content of your wet food and working out if your cat needs a little extra moisture. 

Adding water, broth or tuna juice (make sure they are cat-friendly) to this can be a great way to keep your cat super hydrated and healthy.

As for how to keep wet cat food moist? Seal in air-tight containers between uses and refresh with the options above with each meal. 

What Is the Best Wet Food for Dehydrated Cats?

If you are looking to transition your cat onto a higher moisture diet, or want to prevent dehydration in the future, here are some wet food brands we love:

ZIWI Peak Provenance Canned Wet Cat Food

Designed to match closely to a cat’s natural, whole-prey diet, this canned food features 97% real meat, organs, seafood, superfoods, and bone broth. Formed into a pâté-style, moisture-rich, chunky-loaf – it’s getting rave reviews for its palatability. Plus ZIWI source from 100% free-range, grass-fed meats, cage-free poultry, and wild-caught seafood, sourced from New Zealand – so it’s got a double thumbs up from us!

Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Grain & Potato Free Canned Wet Food

Made with high-quality ingredients, this canned wet food comes in a savory, high-moisture broth to give your cat that little extra boost of hydration in their meals in a palatable way. With added pumpkin for a gentle source of fiber, the carbohydrate count is still very low to allow for full moisture absorption. 

Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Beef & Liver Recipe wet cat food

This moisture-rich recipe is made from 100% beef, with no added fillers, flavorings, or grains. This can help to naturally boost the moisture absorbed, whilst the addition of antioxidants helps to boost health whilst lowering urinary PH. This can help to reduce the chances of urinary damage and dehydration.

If your cat suffers from frequent UTIs, check out our guide to The Best Cat Foods to Support UTI Health in Cats.

Broths & toppers can also be a great way to add moisture to your dry kibble, especially for fussy eaters:

Nulo FreeStyle Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats

With an extra boost of protein and packed with superfoods, these bone broths are a great savory addition to your kitty’s meals. A natural source of collagen and chondroitin sulfate to help support their coat, skin, and joint health with 100% human-grade ingredients.

Solid Gold Cat Broth

A slow-simmered bone broth that’s packed with those healthy collagen proteins and amino acids to support your kitty’s gut health. Designed as a tasty hydration boost, Solid Gold guarantees a rich flavor and a textural sensation that your cat will delight in. 

Final Thoughts

Have you learned anything about how to improve your cat’s hydration? We certainly did in writing this post!

It has inspired us to take a more active approach and help Yoda get those extra sips of water a day, both through his food and through multiple small bowls of fresh water around the house.

It’s also important to be able to spot those early signs of possible dehydration, to avoid any hospitalization. 

What will you add to your kitty’s routine to help their hydration? Let us know!  

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